Production Specialist

Stepan Oilfield Solutions; Elwood (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (S

E/T

Job summary

Stepan Company in Elwood, IL is seeking a Production Specialist to facilitate planning and execution of production and maintenance activities, ensuring efficient project delivery. You will own work instruction development and operator training in the area.

The role requires 5 years in chemical processing with strong troubleshooting, planning, and on-call readiness. The position emphasizes safety, cross-functional collaboration, and compliance with multiple standards.

Qualifications

• 5 years chemical processing experience in operations and supervision.
• Strong understanding of chemical unit operations and safety.
• Ability to facilitate troubleshooting and lead meetings.
• Excellent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills.
• On-call availability for emergencies and shutdowns.

Responsibilities

• Provides work permits.
• Audits area maintenance and construction activities with the area EH&S Generalist.
• Develops and coordinates safety plans with EH&S prior to special activities.
• Supports behavior-based safety initiatives in the area by demonstrating safety expectations and participates in EHS investigations where applicable.
• Performs process or equipment troubleshooting alongside the Production Day Leader and hourly representative.
• Serves as a key production participant in maintenance area team meetings.
• Contributes to prioritization of daily and weekly maintenance activities.
• Plans, communicates, and executes equipment preparation for planned maintenance and capital project work with the production team.
• Works with the maintenance planner and team leader to coordinate emergency repair plans for process equipment.
• Provides backup support to the Production Day Leader as needed.
• Coordinates PSSR plans for turnarounds.
• Participates in area team meetings (Safety, Quality, etc.).
• Oversees, coordinates, and reports on training for new employee qualification testing.
• Oversees and coordinates work instruction development, improvements, and revalidation in cooperation with area Production Engineers.
• Oversees and coordinates training, skills development, and certifications for hourly area personnel.
• Supports PLAS and MOS systems and processes through implementation of meeting tactics, completion of follow-up actions, and coordination of improvements with engineering teams.
• Facilitates meetings to coordinate construction and other activities with plant personnel.
• Participates on capital project teams for scope development, evaluation of alternatives, and identification of cost savings opportunities.
• Develops, implements, and documents plans to reduce construction activity costs.
• Communicates with personnel, customers, and outside contractors.
• Participates in cross-functional collaboration across the organization.
• Investigates and tracks spending in SAP and CMMS.
• Implements maintenance prioritization processes.
• Coordinates and plans efforts between Operations, Maintenance, Projects, and PPIC.
• Participates in and maintains compliance-related activities, including internal and external audits for applicable standards and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, RSPO, ISCC+, and others.

Skills

Chemical processing

Operations supervision

Troubleshooting

Planning

Team meetings

On-call emergencies

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Elwood, IL, US, 60421

Production Specialist

The Production Specialist is responsible for facilitating planning and execution of production and construction/maintenance activities in the area and ensure efficient and effective project delivery according to established project goals. The candidate will own and facilitate the maintenance and development of work instructions in the area and operator development and training.

Responsibilities

• Provides work permits.
• Audits area maintenance and construction activities with the area EH&S Generalist.
• Develops and coordinates safety plans with EH&S prior to special activities.
• Supports behavior-based safety initiatives in the area by demonstrating safety expectations and participates in EHS investigations where applicable.
• Performs process or equipment troubleshooting alongside the Production Day Leader and hourly representative.
• Serves as a key production participant in maintenance area team meetings.
• Contributes to prioritization of daily and weekly maintenance activities.
• Plans, communicates, and executes equipment preparation for planned maintenance and capital project work with the production team.
• Works with the maintenance planner and team leader to coordinate emergency repair plans for process equipment.
• Provides backup support to the Production Day Leader as needed.
• Coordinates PSSR plans for turnarounds.
• Participates in area team meetings (Safety, Quality, etc.).
• Oversees, coordinates, and reports on training for new employee qualification testing.
• Oversees and coordinates work instruction development, improvements, and revalidation in cooperation with area Production Engineers.
• Oversees and coordinates training, skills development, and certifications for hourly area personnel.
• Supports PLAS and MOS systems and processes through implementation of meeting tactics, completion of follow-up actions, and coordination of improvements with engineering teams.
• Facilitates meetings to coordinate construction and other activities with plant personnel.
• Participates on capital project teams for scope development, evaluation of alternatives, and identification of cost savings opportunities.
• Develops, implements, and documents plans to reduce construction activity costs.
• Communicates with personnel, customers, and outside contractors.
• Participates in cross-functional collaboration across the organization.
• Investigates and tracks spending in SAP and CMMS.
• Implements maintenance prioritization processes.
• Coordinates and plans efforts between Operations, Maintenance, Projects, and PPIC.
• Participates in and maintains compliance-related activities, including internal and external audits for applicable standards and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, RSPO, ISCC+, and others.

Qualifications

• 5 years chemical processing experience, operations, and supervision.
• Solid comprehension of chemical and unit operations.
• Ability to facilitate troubleshooting efforts and team meetings.
• Effective problem-solving skills and demonstrated planning skills.
• Talented in organizing information and multi-tasking.
• Available to respond to on-call emergencies and shutdowns.

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent required: Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred

Pay Range

$86,000 - $116,000

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

Benefits

• Discretionary Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Reactions – Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Company Information

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90 years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world.

Why Work At Stepan?

• Stable & Growing
• Collaborative Environment
• Make a Difference & Be Recognized
• Committed to Safety & Sustainability
• Value Driven Culture

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